San Blas Rebellion

The San Blas Rebellion was an uprising by the Guna,[a] to declare independence, in the San Blas Islands, in February 1925.

The San Blas Islands, also known as the Guna Yala region, experienced an era of great political unrest during the early twentieth century, following the declaration of Independence by the Panamanian government in 1903. The Guna Yala region is situated between Colombia and Panama, and traditionally the Guna were able to cooperate with Colombia and live peacefully by their own laws and customs. Following Panama's declaration of independence, the new government attempted to control the Guna Yala region and its people, and impose a Westernised and "national" culture in its place.

The laws introduced by the Panamanian government significantly influenced traditional Guna customs and culture. The San Blas Rebellion consisted of multiple attempts made by the Guna to resist this control, and fight back against Panamanian authorities. Resistance against this power resulted in the Revolution of 1925, which resulted in 27 deaths, and initiated the peace agreement involving the United States that followed.

This rebellion is also known as the Tule Revolution, or the Guna Revolution, and was a direct consequence of repression by the Panamanian government. The Guna felt this was crucial for their ethnic survival as the laws implemented by the new Panamanian government directly impacted traditional Guna education, dress and customs. 

The Revolution was planned by Guna leaders, and the Guna received US backing for an autonomous region during the mediation process. Through those negotiations, peace was once again achieved. The Guna were made to withdraw their declaration of independence and abide by the laws of the Panamanian government, so long as their terms were agreed upon and the Panamanian authorities did not threaten to eradicate Guna traditions and customs.

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